The force will be strong with bidders at an auction in Derbyshire today when a collection of rare Star Wars toys will go under the hammer.

Star Wars toys made by the Leicestershire firm Palitoy in the late 1970s, and initially retailing at just 99p, are now of interest with some fetching in excess of £1,000.

And the Jawa figure, which has been described as the ‘holy grail’ for Star Wars collectors has in recent years fetched £10,000 at auction.

Kevin Bucknall, vintage Star Wars memorabilia expert at Hansons Auctioneers, said: “Palitoy (then Kenner in the USA) made 12 figures, about four inches tall on a card backing with a clear blister bubble holding the figure obviously designed to be played with and then discarded.

“A complete set of these 12 figures, unopened and undamaged, can sell for up to £20,000 and rarer individual figures up to £4,000 each.

“Further figures were released in due course for subsequent films. The age of a figure can be seen by looking at the list of figures printed on the back of the cards, 12 being the first series.”

The auction will take place at Hansons showroom on Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire, on February 23 at 10.30am. See here for more information.